Introduction
Getting Started

SUPERLOCK PRO ADMIN
Overview

Users
Adding Users
Editing Users
Removing Users
Duplicating Users

Client Preferences
Text Items
Invalid Logins
Username
Screen Saver

Log Preferences

Security

Finder Items

SUPERLOCK PRO CLIENT
Overview
Logging In

Tips
Registering SuperLock Pro
Uninstalling SuperLock Pro
Frequently Asked Questions
Contacting TriVectus
Technical Information
Credits

Logo

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does SuperLock Pro support guest users?
 A: Yes. Add a user named Guest (or whatever you want), and leave the password field blank. To log in with this user, users need only enter the username and press return. You also may want to set Client to show the User menu, so that users need not guess at the name.

Q: Is there an easy way to copy SuperLock Pro installations to multiple computers without having to create the users list, set the prefs, and register on each computer?
 A: Yes. After performing a normal installation, copy over the all files in the Preferences folder whose names contain SuperLock 4.5 Pro, optionally excluding the log file. Note: SuperLock Pro's licensing terms dictate that you purchase a separate license for each computer on which it is installed.

Q: Is there an upgrade for users of SuperLock 3 or SuperLock 4.0 Lite?
 A: Yes. See the TriVectus web site or contact us at info@trivectus.com for details.

Q: Does the Finder Items protection feature make use of encryption?
 A: No. The Finder Items protection feature makes use of File Manager features to protect files; it does not modify their contents in any way.

Q: We have lots of users around here. How many can SuperLock Pro support?
 A: Enough that if you start pushing the limit, then you really need to be looking at high-end commercial protection. Note, though, that you may need to increase Admin's and Client's memory partition to support all your users.

Q: Why does Client need 1500 KB of memory? That's a lot!
 A: Two words: screen savers. Those graphics and animations require memory. If you have a smallish screen or just don't use the screen savers (or use Blank Screen), you can safely lower its memory partition to 500 to 700 KB. On the other hand, if you're running a screen at 1600x1200x24 and are using Supersonic SuperLock as your screen saver (the worst possible case), you may actually need to increase Client's memory a bit.

Q: Do you offer educational discounts?
 A: Not at this time. We may offer them at some point in the future, but frankly, we just don't know. However, we do have good reasons for not offering them now.

Q: I've locked myself out of my computer! My hard drive is locked, and my shift key is disabled. Help!! What do I do?
 A: Did you read and follow the instructions in their entirety before diving in? We hope so. First, start up off a CD, then look inside your Preferences folder for an application called SuperLock 4.5 Pro ER (there's also an alias to it inside your SuperLock Pro installation folder); run it and enter your super-admin password when requested. Now, your drive will be unlocked. If that doesn't work for some reason, then e-mail TriVectus, and we'll do what we can to help you. If you followed our directions, we can probably get you in. No promises, though.

Q: I've heard some ruminations that the Universe's expansion is accelerating. How can this be? Isn't it against the laws of physics?
 A: You skipped astro 411 again, didn't you? Well, what you've heard is correct. It's pretty complicated to explain, though. Suffice it to say that there is definitely an anti-gravitational force of some kind at work--we just don't know what yet. And yes, it is against the laws of physics, so, we'll have to fudge 'em a bit. What fun!

Q: Is there a back door into SuperLock that I can have in case I forget my password?
 A: No, sorry.

Q: It seems like most security programs offer all sorts of limitations on the passwords that can be used; why doesn't SuperLock Pro?
 A: In a nutshell, we don't believe our users are stupid; instead, we prefer to assume a fair bit of intelligence. It's our assumption that most of the folks who will be configuring SuperLock Pro know tidbits like don't use words found in a dictionary, don't use easily guessed passwords like phone numbers, and longer passwords are more secure. Instead of trying to force these things when our users will already do them on their own, we choose to spend our extremely limited development time on implementing other, more useful, features. If you really want these types of features, e-mail us. If we get enough requests, we'll add them.

Q: I have application logging turned on to make sure nothing's being run that shouldn't be run. However, I've occasionally seen SuperLock Pro miss a particular application that is launched by a script of mine. What's going on?
 A: In tracking processes, SuperLock Pro must balance processor time against sensitivity. As it is, SuperLock Pro will catch applications that are running for as little as approximately one second, varying slightly depending on system load. To be more sensitive would require demanding the processor's attention more often, which would slow things down. Since it's a very rare occasion that something could slip by, and in those cases the app would usually be launched and terminated in an automated manner (such as by a script), we feel we've achieved a pretty good balance.

Q: How can I temporarily disable SuperLock Pro without uninstalling it?
 A: Remove Overseer from the Extensions folder, first quitting it with Admin if necessary. Also remove Ignition. When you're ready to re-enable SuperLock Pro, just replace these files.

Q: Is there a 680x0 version of SuperLock Pro?
 A: Unfortunately, no. We had to discontinue 68k development in mid-'98 when the price of sustaining it began to far outweigh the income it generated. Simple economics. Previous 68k versions of SuperLock are still available free to registered users of either SuperLock Lite or SuperLock Pro; e-mail us for details.

Q: Is there a System 7 version of SuperLock Pro?
 A: Similar to the 68k question above, the answer is an unfortunate no--the market just isn't there for us. That being said, however, there is a very good chance that SuperLock Pro will run just fine under System 7.1 or later if the Appearance Manager is installed. Note that this is not a supported configuration, nor has it ever been tested by anyone at TriVectus.

Q: Is there a Windows/Linux/GEM version of SuperLock Pro?
 A: No. SuperLock Pro is only available for Macintosh at this time.

Q: Are there any localized versions of SuperLock Pro available?
 A: As of this writing, no. However, if we get enough requests for a specific language, then we will definitely translate it. Everyone gets a chance to request such a translation when they register, or requests can be e-mailed directly to us.

Q: Can SuperLock Pro be run off of a CD or other write-protected volume?
 A: No. SuperLock Pro is specifically designed be run from a writable boot volume. Given the nature of the program, we feel this is definitely reasonable. If you disagree, then tell us why.

Q: I have the invalid alarm volume turned all the way up, and I've verified that it's actually turned on. Yet, I can't hear any alarm sound in Client--what's up?
 A: Make sure your System volume is not on Mute. The alarm volume is relative to the System volume, and a cranked up mute is still mute. :-)

Q: A couple of items in the Internet menu in Admin are disabled. What do I need to do to get these items enabled?
 A: The Check for Latest Version and Download Register Application items both make use of URL Access, which is only available in Mac OS 8.6 and higher.

Q: Do I have to keep Admin on the protected Mac?
 A: No. You can keep it on a CD-R, a floppy, or even a network volume, and still use it to configure SuperLock Pro. The only caveat is that Admin must be run on the Mac you're configuring.

Q: I've forgotten the super-admin's password! What now?
 A: If you know the password for any admin user, log in to Admin and turn off users file protection in Security. Then trash the file SuperLock 4.5 Pro User Data in the Preferences folder and restart Admin. It will revert to the default state with Master as the sole user. If you don't have an admin password, and the users file is protected, you will need to take other measures; e-mail TriVectus tech support for help.

Q: When I try to view the log, I get a message that it's too big and so can't be viewed. How can I see the contents of this log file?
 A: Turn off log file protection, then venture into your Preferences folder. There, you'll find a file called SuperLock 4.5 Pro Log; drag it onto BBEdit, Word, or another text editor (not SimpleText). In the future, remember to clear your log file before it gets so big.

Q: Will there be future versions of SuperLock Pro?
 A: Absolutely. SuperLock Pro is TriVectus's flagship product!

Q: I've come up with a way to bypass SuperLock Pro; how is this possible?
 A: While SuperLock Pro is a very good program--definitely the most secure shareware protection available--it is still designed only to keep out casual snoopers. If a determined hacker wants into your Mac, and they know what they're doing, SuperLock Pro is not going to stop them. (And, incidentally, neither is anything else. If you must ensure security, use a product like PGP for file encryption in addition to SuperLock Pro.)

Q: I have a question not on this silly little list; how do I ask it?
 A: Send it to feedback@trivectus.com.

Q: What files were installed where?
 A: The installer installs the following files:

  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro Admin [alias] -> [Installation folder]
  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro Admin [alias] -> :System Folder:Control Panels:
  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro Client -> [Installation folder]
  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro Client [alias] -> :System Folder:
  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro Client [alias] -> :System Folder:Apple Menu Items:
  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro Logout -> [Installation folder]
  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro Logout [alias] -> :System Folder:Apple Menu Items:
  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro Overseer -> :System Folder:Extensions:
  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro Ignition -> :System Folder:Extensions:
  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro Repriever -> :System Folder:Extensions:
  • SuperLock 4.5 Pro ER -> :System Folder:Preferences:
  • Documentation f -> [Installation folder]
  • License -> [Installation folder]
  • Register -> [Installation folder]
  • Delta Log -> [Installation folder]

All of these files (as well as any preference files that SuperLock creates) will be removed by the uninstaller. Please note that some files may have a prefix character or two on their names.

Q: I just got a snazzy new cable modem or xDSL connection, and I'm concerned about security. Will SuperLock Pro protect me from outside hackers?
 A: No. SuperLock Pro is designed to protect your Mac from physical access, not electronic access over its network connection. However, you most likely don't need this sort of protection, as the Mac OS is already an extremely secure OS. (This is the reason that the U.S. Army recently switched to Macs from Windows NT for its main web server.) The big problem with xDSL and especially cable modem connections is that people often accidentally set their Macs to allow guests to log in. By simply turning off guest access, or being very careful in selecting what items guests have access to, you can secure your Mac. For more information on this topic, open the Macintosh Help system (type command-? in the Finder), and search for "file sharing guest access".

Note that if you are running server software, such as WebStar, you should consult the documentation that came with it to learn how to properly secure it.

Q: I would like to keep a user from accessing some files during the day, and different files at night. What is the best way to accomplish this?
A: The easiest way would be to create two users. You'll have to assign them different usernames, but they can have the same password. Configure one with the daytime file set, and the other with the nighttime file set. Then configure each user's login hours to specify when they should be able to get in, and you're set.

Q: Something happened to my preferences, and I can't gain access to files or folders that I had protected. Is there a way to retrieve those items?
A: Yes; SuperLock Pro includes an emergency recovery feature for files and folders. To use it, log into Admin as the super-admin user, then option-click the Finder Items button to recover a file, or cmd-option click the button to recover a folder. Note that if Navigation Services isn't available, then you will use the same Standard File dialog to recover both files and folders.

Q: Is there a way for users to change their own passwords, or must the super-admin user always do it?
A: Yes; version 4.5 added the ability for all users to change their passwords. To do so, simply hold down the shift key as you click the OK button to exit Client.